Category Archives: SCBWI

Last weekend many of my writing friends returned to VCFA for residency. I did not – for the first time in two and a half years. It was harder than I expected to view the social media posts about the … Continue reading →

My first revelation of 2018 is that MFA programs have magical time slip powers. I last blogged in September when my third semester at VCFA was just getting started and I had taken on the challenge of writing a pretty … Continue reading →

Eons ago, at my first SCBWI Prairie Writer’s Day Conference, I heard the popular writing tip “show, don’t tell.” That catch phrase should be writing advice to live by, except this wide-eyed newbie didn’t understand how to “show.” I jumped … Continue reading →

Last weekend Super Heros flew to Chicago to gather for SCBWI Prairie Writers & Illustrators Day. This year my conference posse grew from two writers to four, including one of my VCFA classmates. We happened to sit in the Maw-ha-ha section … Continue reading →

Last weekend my critique partner and I journeyed into Chicago for SCBWI Prairie Writer’s Day. Once again it was an event filled with awesome people in the publishing industry (or aspiring to be), invaluable knowledge, and heaps of inspiration. This … Continue reading →

The summer slacker has officially taken over, keeping me away from the blog (and grown-up responsibilities) for almost a month. Where has the time gone? My family has been busy celebrating the 4th of July, camping, and taking every opportunity … Continue reading →

Linda Sue Park shared a wealth of knowledge at the SCBWI Downstate Craft Retreat, everything from basic writing concepts to her own personal revision methods. Among all that awesome practical advice, the comment that most stuck with me was an … Continue reading →

I came home from the SCBWI Downstate Craft Retreat inspired and ready to write! Linda Sue Park was of course amazing, but more on that next week. First I wanted to chat about the lovely Julia Durango, our Friday evening … Continue reading →

About Jennifer Kay

Jennifer Kay is a KidLit author and Structural Engineer. She has a VCFA MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults, is an SCBWI Rockford Network Rep, edits the SCBWI IL Prairie Wind, and belongs to Mystery Writers of America. Jennifer works as a writer, freelance editor, literary agency reader, and creative writing teacher.